Hoa Lu, the ancient capital, is a place that bears the mark of an essential period in Vietnamese history. Let’s explore the values of the attractions in Hanoi with Yourvietnam.org.
When mentioning the heroic history of ancient Vietnam, it is impossible not to mention the ancient capital of Hoa Lu – a bold cultural and historical symbol of the nation. During the period from 968 to 1010, Hoa Lu was the capital and the place that witnessed essential turning points in the country.
The ancient capital of Hoa Lu is not only a great cultural heritage but also a majestic picture of the interaction between humans and nature, between the quintessence of humanity and the beauty of heaven and earth. Let’s start the journey with Yourvietnam.org to explore the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, where time has left imposing cultural values in everyone’s heart.
The History of Hoa Lu Ancient Capital – attractions in Hanoi
Hoa Lu, the ancient capital, was once the capital of the first centralized feudal state in Vietnam. It is the hometown of national hero Dinh Bo Linh, who unified the country after suppressing the rebellion of 12 warlords in 968. Over 42 years of existence, the ancient capital of Hoa Lu has witnessed the ups and downs of three consecutive dynasties: the Dinh dynasty, the Early Le dynasty, the Ly dynasty, and the Tran dynasty. In 1010, the capital moved to Thang Long (Hanoi), opening a new chapter in Vietnamese history.
Today, Hoa Lu, an ancient capital relic, is one of the significant national relic sites of Vietnam. It is also one of three areas of Trang. It is A scenic spot recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural and Natural Heritage.
Where Is Hoa Lu Ancient Capital?
The ancient capital of Hoa Lu is located in Truong Yen commune, Hoa Lu district, the border between Gia Vien and Hoa Lu districts of Ninh Binh province.
Attractions in Hanoi – Travel Hoa Lu Experience
When should you travel to Hoa Lu, the Ancient Capital?
The appropriate time to travel to Hoa Lu is from March to May. During this time, the weather is usually stable, mildly sunny, and not too hot, creating favorable conditions for you to explore historical relics. And enjoy the natural landscape.
If you want to see golden rice fields, the end of May is a perfect time. Besides, if you wish to participate in traditional festivals such as the Truong Yen festival (Co Lau flag festival), go to Ninh Binh in the third lunar month. It is an opportunity to understand more deeply about the culture of this place.
How to go to attractions in Hanoi –Hoa Lu Ancient Capital?
To get to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, you can choose one of the following means of transport:
- Personal vehicle: with a distance of about 100 km, you can choose to go by motorbike or car or rent a car and drive yourself to the ancient capital of Hoa Lu following the route Phap Van – Gie Bridge – Phu Ly – Ninh Binh. Travel time will be 2 -3 hours, depending on traffic volume and travel speed.
- Passenger car: from Hanoi center, you can start traveling from My Dinh bus station or Bat Giap bus station. Book your tickets online in advance to ensure you have a seat, especially on holidays when booking is required 3-7 days in advance. Travel time from Hanoi to Hoa Lu Ninh Binh is about 1 hour 40 minutes.
- Train: with a travel time of about 2 hours, you can travel from Hanoi to Ninh Binh by train with ticket prices from 90,000 VND to 190,000 VND/way. After arriving in Ninh Binh, you will continue to the ancient capital of Hoa Lu by motorbike taxi, motorbike taxi, or motorbike taxi. The distance from Ninh Binh Center to Hoa Lu is only about 8km, about 15 minutes by car.
Ticket Price to Visit attractions in Hanoi – Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
Ticket prices to visit Hoa Lu 2023 are as follows:
- Adults: 20,000 VND/ticket
- Children over 1m2: 20,000 VND/ticket
- Children under 1m2: free
Please note that ticket price information may change according to time and the site’s policies. Before visiting, you should check the latest ticket price information from a reliable source or the official website of the ancient capital of Hoa Lu.
Traditional Festivals In Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
Taking place annually from the 8th to the 10th of the third lunar month, the Truong Yen Festival (Co Lau Festival) is one of the oldest traditional festivals held in the ancient capital of Hoa Lu. It is a wading ceremony to honor Dinh Bo Linh – the hero who built the capital Hoa Lu and founded the Dai Co Viet state.
The festival carries with it the spirit of respect and commemoration of the founder and essential contributor to the unification of the Vietnamese people through the Dinh, Le, and Ly dynasties. Today, the festival still preserves its unique cultural and folk art elements and aims to become a national holiday.
Besides the Truong Yen festival, there are still many folk festivals taking place in the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, such as Kim Ngan Pagoda Festival, Nhat Tru Pagoda Festival, Bai Dinh Pagoda Festival, Tran Temple Festival, Thien Cave Festival Ton,…
Some Notes When Visiting attractions in Hanoi Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
Below are some important notes when you visit the ancient capital of Hoa Lu:
- You need to make sure to wear bright clothes and comfortable shoes when visiting historical sites.
- Prepare enough drinking water and snacks to maintain health and energy throughout the tour.
- Pay attention to complying with the regulations of the Monument Management Board.
Explore the Architectural Works of Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
1/ Temple of King Dinh Tien Hoang
King Dinh Tien Hoang Temple in the ancient capital of Hoa Lu possesses a unique architectural style with a foreign interior style, connecting the front and back houses, forming a rectangle surrounding the works.
Besides the temple of King Dinh Tien Hoang was also built according to the symmetrical model on the Shinto axis. The project starts from Crescent Lake and ends at the Main Palace. Coming in from the outside, you will see Ngo Mon Quan with four Chinese characters, “Northern Gate Chua Thuoc.”
When you go through the gate and look back, you will see four more words: “Tien Trieu Phuong Cac.” In front of the temple, Crescent Lake was built in royal style and planted with many water lilies.
There are 3 main buildings in the temple: Bai Duong, Thieu Huong, and Chinh Cung. In front of Bai Duong’s nave, there is a Long Sang collapse made from monolithic green stone combined with beautifully carved art. The Main Palace has five compartments; the middle compartment worships the statue of King Dinh Tien Hoang. The king’s figure is painted gold, wearing a Binh Thien hat, sitting on a rock. Next to it is a statue worshiping the king’s descendants.
2/ Temple of King Le Dai Hanh
King Le Temple is one of the valuable relics of Hoa Lu’s Ancient Capital. Built at the same time as the Temple of King Dinh Tien Hoang in the 17th century, this temple has architectural features quite similar to King Dinh’s temple while maintaining the intact architecture and sculpture of the Later Le period.
With three buildings, including Bai Duong, Thieu Huong, and Chinh Cung, the temple of King Le Dai Hanh has a lower style, with gold-painted beams, columns, and excellent letters, creating ancient majesty. Bai Duong Court has five rooms decorated with three large painted and gilded signs. In it, the sign in the middle room reads “Truong Xuan Linh Tich,” the right sign says “Duong Than Vu,” and the left sign says “Xuat Thanh Minh.”
The Thieu Huong Court was built according to the bamboo tube architecture, worshiping the four pillars of the Early Le Dynasty. Finally, the main palace has five rooms, and the statue of King Le Dai Hanh is placed on a stone pedestal in the middle room. The room on the left has a statue of Queen Duong Van Nga, also known as the statue of Queen Mother Bao Quang. On the right side is the statue of Le Long Dinh, the 5th son of King Le Dai Hanh and the 3rd king of the Early Le Dynasty.
3/ Attractions in Hanoi – Temple of Princess Phat Kim
Princess Phat Kim Temple, also known as Thuc Tiet Princess Temple, was built in the 17th century during the Le Trung Hung dynasty. The temple is located at the foundation of Vong Nguyet Palace, the residence of Princess Phat Kim.
The temple is built from limestone and bricks. The structure of Princess Phat Kim Temple consists of many floors. Each floor has its entrance and exit. Besides, the temple is decorated with many beautiful sculptures and delicate motifs.
4/ Hoa Lu Tu Tran
Hoa Lu Tu Tran are four gods honored in Ninh Binh folk beliefs, guarding the four directions, east, west, south, and north of the ancient capital of Hoa Lu.
Legend has it that these gods helped and protected Hoa Lu’s capital, so King Dinh Tien Hoang built temples at the four gateways to the capital. To the east is the temple of the Thien Ton god, to the west is the Cao Son god temple, to the south is the Quy Minh god temple, and at the northern gateway is the Khong Lo god temple.
These temples are not only symbols of reverence for the gods but are also an essential part of the history and culture of the ancient capital of Hoa Lu.
Famous attractions in Hanoi near Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
1/ Attractions in Hanoi – Hang Mua
Located in Hoa Lu district, Mua Cave is famous for its unique and pristine natural landscape. To conquer the top of Mua Mountain, you will have to climb nearly 500 steps. Although the climbing journey is strenuous, you will be rewarded with a beautiful view at the top of the mountain. From here, you can see the panoramic view of Ninh Binh with green rice fields, winding rivers, and typical limestone mountains of the area.
2/ Tam Coc – Bich Dong
Tam Coc Bich Dong spreads over an area of 350.3 hectares and is a natural wonder. It includes a system of caves in limestone mountains combined with a peaceful village landscape. When you come here, you will have the opportunity to explore:
- The three cave complexes
- The Thai Vi Temple
- The Thien Huong Cave
- The Bich Dong Pagoda
- The Linh Coc Pagoda
- The Co Vien Lau.
3/ Bai Dinh Pagoda
Bai Dinh Pagoda is located at the western gate of the ancient capital Hoa Lu. This place includes an old pagoda area and a new pagoda area built in 2003. With an age of over 1/000 years, the pagoda has ancient architecture typical of ancient times.
When you come here, you will feel a peaceful and calm space. Walking along the corridor of the Arhat statue, you will see gardens with many green trees, especially the Bodhi tree brought from the Indian temple.
Bai Dinh Pagoda is a place for religious activities and a famous spiritual and ecological tourist destination, such as:
- Having the largest bronze bell in Vietnam
- The tallest and heaviest Shakyamuni Buddha statue in Asia
- A giant Maitreya Buddha statue in Southeast Asia
- Many other records.
4/ Attractions in Hanoi – Trang An Ecotourism Area
Trang An eco-tourism area located in Ninh Binh province. It is an excellent destination for those who love to mingle with nature and want to explore the majestic beauty of limestone mountains and peaceful rivers.
The highlight activity of this tourist area is the system of boats traveling through rivers and caves. It promises to be a wonderful experience. As you travel through beautiful, majestic landscapes, from unique limestone mountains to mysterious caves. In addition to visiting natural landscapes, you also have the opportunity to explore historical temples, pagodas, and mausoleums.
5/ Ninh Binh Golden Pagoda
Ninh Binh Golden Pagoda was built in an octagonal architecture with eight sides. Each side representing a primordial god during the period of 12 warlords. The Golden Pagoda worships the original gods such as Nguyen Sieu, Kieu Cong Han, Nguyen Thu Tiep, Ngo Xuong Xi, Pham Bach Ho, Kieu Thuan, Nguyen Khoan, and Do Canh Thac.
A unique feature is that the entire architecture of the pagoda is made from black ironwood, with a classic-style tiled roof with the image of a sword roof with a curved tail, creating a quiet look. The pagoda’s design also creates a three-dimensional space, bringing a feeling of serenity and peace.
Guide to Eating and Drinking at attractions in Hanoi
When you arrive in Hoa Lu, you will enjoy the historical beauty and have the opportunity to enjoy the specialties. Take advantage of the opportunity to enjoy scorched rice, Ninh Binh mountain goat meat, Ninh Binh mountain snails, and perch… It will help to feel the typical culinary quintessence of Hoa Lu and have more beautiful experiences.
Hotels and Motels Near Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
Below is a list of some hotels near the ancient capital of Hoa Lu that Yourvietnam.org suggests for you:
1/ The Vancouver Hotel Ninh Binh
This hotel offers a comfortable environment with cozy rooms and modern amenities. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful feeling and immerse themselves in the surrounding green nature.
- Address: 01 lane 75, Luong Van Tuy street
- Room price: from 1 million/night
2/ Vissai Hotel
With modern design and premium amenities, this is the ideal place to relax after a day of walking and exploring. The hotel also offers services such as a restaurant serving local and international cuisine. It allows guests to enjoy not only the natural beauty but also the rich culture of the area.
- Address: No. 848, Tran Hung Dao Street
- Room price: from 1 million/night
3/ Ninh Binh Legend Hotel
Ninh Binh Legend Hotel brings the perfect combination of contemporary architecture and traditional beauty, creating a unique and charming space. From the hotel, guests can easily access scenic spots and historical sites in the ancient capital of Hoa Lu.
- Address: No. 177, Le Thai To street, Xuan Thanh urban area
- Room price: from 1 million/night
4/ Trang An Eco Homestay Ninh Binh
The homestay is located in the area around the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, providing a peaceful space, fresh air, and the opportunity to explore the traditional rural life of local people.
- Address: No. 479B, Thach Ban village
- Room price: from 500,000 VND/night
5/ O Zoli Home Hanoi
O Zoli Home is a convenient choice for travelers who want to relax and explore the land near the ancient capital of Hoa Lu. With a modern design style and full amenities, O Zoli Home provides a cozy and comfortable space.
- Address: No. 18, Tran Hung Dao Street
- Room price: from 500,000 VND/night
With a long history, natural beauty, and rich cuisine, Hoa Lu is a destination to explore and experience. It also an opportunity for you to learn more deeply about the culture and natural identity of the Vietnamese people.
